Q:
I've been talkig to another chiropractor about renting space in his
office and we're trying to come up with a rental agreement. His
office is fairly new and he only has part-time staff. I would have
one room that is exclusively mine but I will have use of the rest of
the office ie. PT equipment, x-ray, etc. as well. I will have to do my
own billing and will have my own phone lines. He wants to make my
rent a percentage of what I collect. If we set it up that way, what do
you think would be a fair percentage? If we do it as a set monthly
rent instead of a percentage, how do we go about determining what a
fair rent would be? We're trying to come up with an arrangement
that will be fair for both of us.
Thanks.
A:
Thanks for the e-mail and question. I was speaking at the Fernandez
Seminar this weekend and asked for an answer by Dr. Pete. This is
his answer:
"First of all, if you pay him a % of your income you are violating fee
splitting laws. Independent Contractors cannot share each others
income, associates within a practice can. I think you should pay one
half of the rent, utilities and leasae/rent payments on the x-ray and
equipment. What else is this doctor providing you .. nothing. If his CA
makes your appoinments, you may wish to pay half her salary as
well.
Sounds good to me
Have a Great Day
Dr. M